Todt confirms bid for top FIA job

Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt confirmed on Thursday that he will stand for the presidency of motorsports governing body, the FIA.

Current president Mosley will not seek re-election as head of the sport's ruling body this year and has proposed Todt as his successor.

"Following the decision of Max Mosley not to seek re-election and his unequivocal support of my candidature I've written to the members of the FIA to inform them that I wish to run for the presidency," wrote Todt in a statement to the FIA.

"It is my intention to continue and expand the outstanding work of President Mosley," said Todt.

In a letter to FIA members, Mosley, qualified Todt as the "ideal person" to succeed him.

"He is worthy of confidence in all areas in which the FIA are active. I sincerely hope that you give him your support," added Mosley.

The former Ferrari team principal, a Frenchman, now faces a straight fight with Finland's former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen for the role ahead of the election due to be held on October 23.

Todt has been involved in motorsport for the past 40 years. He won the World Rally Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours race and the Paris-Dakar rally as head of Peugeot motorsport.